Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Outemu Purple offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon materials, creating a creamy and lightweight feel that is perfect for enthusiasts looking to hand-lube their switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch doesn't have a specific standout feature but is known for its tactile feedback. It offers a different typing experience with a tactile bump that can enhance typing accuracy and speed. The Keygeek Raw is ideal for those who prefer a textured and mild feel, while the Outemu Purple is suitable for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Outemu Purple switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Keygeek Raw uses a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, which creates a smooth and consistent sound. In contrast, the Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials are durable and offer a good typing experience, the Keygeek Raw's housing may be preferred for those who prioritize a more muted sound, while the Purple may be better suited for those who enjoy a more distinct click.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend, while the Outemu Purple uses nylon. The UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw provides a unique sound profile that complements its top housing material. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. These differences in bottom housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Keygeek Raw offering a more balanced sound and the Purple providing a more robust sound profile.
While the Keygeek Raw and Outemu Purple have distinct housing materials for both the top and bottom, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a diverse range of sounds to be produced when typing on these switches. Whether you prefer a smoother and more muted sound like the Keygeek Raw offers, or a sharper and crisper sound like the Outemu Purple, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that is sure to satisfy keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, making it a bit heavier than the Outemu Purple, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, since the actuation force of the Keygeek Raw is unknown, the comparison is not complete. In general, a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions and smoother keystrokes, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for typing feel and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The Keygeek Raw would provide a faster response time, making it ideal for gamers who prefer quicker activation of keys. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch offers a deeper key press feel due to its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Purple switch is unknown, so it is difficult to accurately compare the two in this aspect. In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw offers a textured experience with a mild and subtle typing feel, making it approachable for most users. Meanwhile, the feel of the Purple switch is unknown, so it is hard to make a direct comparison. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a unique material blend, a lightweight feel, and a slightly textured typing experience, the Keygeek Raw linear switch may be the perfect choice. However, if you are unsure about the tactile feel and sound profile of the Outemu Purple switch, it is recommended to try them out firsthand to determine if it meets your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it really boils down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you are someone who appreciates a unique material blend that offers a creamy yet lightweight feel, and enjoys hand-lubing switches for a customized typing experience, then the Keygeek Raw may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile that suits various typing environments, and are looking for a tactile switch with a unique feel, then the Outemu Purple could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it comes down to what features you prioritize in your typing experience.
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